Project:

The Biodiversity of Lichen In Glen Cove.

Students:

Elif Turan, Umut Turan, Nicole Lee

School:

Glen Cove High School, Nassau

Mentors:

Kerry Bunyan

Abstract:

Lichen are a composite organism, meaning that it is made up of two different organisms. Lichen are made up of fungi and algae which share a symbiotic relationship. A symbiotic relationship is one where both organisms involved neither benefit each other nor harm each other; it is a mutual relationship. Lichen are proven to be neither beneficial nor detrimental to ecosystems. They are crucial for ecosystems’ survival and productivity. Lichen are sensitive to nitrogen and an increase in nitrogen tolerant species and a decrease in nitrogen sensitive species can indicate that there has been an increase in atmospheric nitrogen pollution. We are trying to determine the biodiversity of lichen in multiple nearby environments. Our objective is to find out which location has the most biodiversity. Our methods will include the using of paint scrapers and Ziploc bags to collect our lichen. Then, we’ll freeze them and use the silica method to extract the DNA. After DNA extraction we will use PCR

Poster:

Team samples: